Artemether and Lumefantrine

Artemether and Lumefantrine are combination prescription medications used for the treatment of malaria.

• Artemether and Lumefantrine are available under various brand names: Coartem

Common side effects of Artemether and Lumefantrine include:

• headache, dizziness;
• fever, cough, feeling weak or tired;
• muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
• joint pain;
• vomiting; or
• loss of appetite.

Serious side effects of Artemether and Lumefantrine include:

• hives,
• difficulty breathing,
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
• fever, 
• chills, 
• body aches, 
• severe headache, 
• flu symptoms
• worsening malaria symptoms;
• severe vomiting, loss of appetite, or being unable to eat;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• a light-headed feeling; or
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.

Rare side effects of Artemether and Lumefantrine include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Tablet

• 20 mg/120 mg

Malaria

Adult and pediatric dosage

For people over 16 years old who weigh at least 77 pounds:

• Take four (4) tablets as an initial dose.
• Take 4 more tablets 8 hours later.
• Take 4 tablets in the morning and 4 tablets in the evening for the next 2 days.

For children younger than 16 years old who weigh between 55 and 77 pounds:

• Take three (3) tablets as an initial dose.
• Take 3 more tablets 8 hours later.
• Take 3 tablets in the morning and 3 tablets in the evening for the next 2 days.

For children younger than 16 years old who weigh between 33 and 55 pounds:

• Take two (2) tablets as an initial dose.
• Take 2 more tablets 8 hours later.
• Take 2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening for the next 2 days.

For children younger than 16 years old who weigh between 11 and 33 pounds:

• Take one (1) tablet as an initial dose.
• Take a second tablet 8 hours later.
• Take 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening for the next 2 days.

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Artemether and Lumefantrine have severe interactions with at least 30 other drugs.
• Artemether and Lumefantrine have serious interactions with at least 128 other drugs.
• Artemether and Lumefantrine have moderate interactions with at least 177 other drugs.
• Artemether and Lumefantrine have minor interactions with at least 58 other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Allergic to artemether and Lumefantrine

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Artemether and Lumefantrine?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Artemether and Lumefantrine?”

Cautions

• Serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used together. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, or St. John's wort.
• Artemether and Lumefantrine can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. To prevent pregnancy while using artemether and Lumefantrine, use a barrier form of birth control: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.
• Artemether and Lumefantrine should not be given to a child younger than 2 months or who weighs less than 11 pounds.
• Avoid taking other anti-malaria medications, unless your doctor has told you to.
• Grapefruit may interact with artemether and Lumefantrine and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Malaria is more likely to cause death in a pregnant woman. If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks of traveling to areas where malaria is common.
• Lactation
  • It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.